Alexandria, LA – (November 17, 2016) – On Thursday, November 17, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) recognized the winners of their inaugural Free Enterprise Awards at a ceremony in Baton Rouge. RoyOMartin has been named the first-ever recipient of the Manufacturer of the Year Award for companies with 100 or more employees.
In a letter from LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack, he wrote, “RoyOMartin is most deserving of this honor, which recognizes outstanding investment, action, and achievements in 2016 that exemplify the value and importance of manufacturing to Louisiana.”
For 93 years, the company now known as RoyOMartin has been recognized not only for its forestry and manufacturing practices, but also for its stewardship and commitment to its employees. It currently operates two wood-products manufacturing plants in Central Louisiana—an oriented strand board (OSB) plant in Oakdale and a plywood and timbers plant in Chopin—where employee safety, health, and wellness are top priorities. This commitment can be seen in the company’s award-winning safety and wellness programs, benefits package, patient-centered medical home, on-site chaplains, workforce-development initiatives, and various other programs.
Looking ahead to the next decade, President and CFO Roy O. Martin III states, “In the future, while staying true to its values, RoyOMartin intends to grow and adapt its business to respond to opportunities in the forest-products industry while responding to the needs of the surrounding community. We believe a strong community contributes to a strong business.”
Serving as Louisiana’s state chamber of commerce and manufacturing association, LABI represents more than 2,200 Louisiana companies from various industry sectors. The Free Enterprise Awards are intended to “recognize LABI members and partners who demonstrate sustained commitment and exemplary contributions to the state’s business climate and to their local community.”
Also recognized as a Manufacturer of the Year for companies with 100 or more employees was Alliance Compressors, LLC, of Natchitoches.
